Is your 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob no longer working, or did you purchase a replacement remote and need to program it? You’re in the right place! Programming a key fob for your 1993-1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ is a straightforward process you can accomplish yourself at home, saving you time and money compared to dealership programming fees. This guide will walk you through each step to get your keyless entry system functioning again quickly.
First, it’s important to verify if your Jeep is even equipped with factory keyless entry. A simple way to check is to look for a small black dome light located on the headliner, typically near the center of the roof, often between the front and rear seats.
This image shows the black dome light in a Jeep Grand Cherokee, indicating the presence of a factory keyless entry system.
If you see this dome light, your 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee came with keyless entry from the factory. If your vehicle doesn’t have this dome, it was not originally equipped with keyless entry. In that case, you would need to explore aftermarket keyless entry systems, which require different installation and programming procedures. However, if you do have the dome light, follow these steps to program your 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob:
Programming Instructions for your 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Key Fob
This programming sequence is designed for 1993, 1994, and 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ models with the factory keyless entry system. Ensure you follow each step precisely for successful programming.
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Prepare Your Vehicle: Begin by ensuring all doors, including the liftgate (rear hatch), and the hood of your Jeep Grand Cherokee are completely closed. This is crucial for the system to enter programming mode correctly.
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Get in the Driver’s Seat: Enter your Jeep and sit in the driver’s seat. Close the driver’s side door.
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Ignition Key Insertion (No Turn): Insert your ignition key into the ignition cylinder. Do not turn the key to the ‘ON’ or ‘START’ position. Simply insert the key into the ignition.
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Manual Door Lock Cycling: Open the driver’s side door. Locate the manual door lock switch on the door panel. Manually slide the lock switch from the unlocked position (you’ll typically see an orange indicator) to the locked position (black indicator).
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Start Your Jeep: With the driver’s door still open and the lock switch in the ‘LOCK’ position, start your 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee as you normally would.
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Key Fob Programming: Take your new key fob remote. Hold it up towards the black dome light on the roof of your Jeep. Press and hold the ‘UNLOCK’ button on the key fob remote (this is usually the button on the left side of the remote). Keep holding the ‘UNLOCK’ button down.
This image highlights the ‘Unlock’ button on a typical Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob remote, which is used for the programming sequence.
While holding the ‘UNLOCK’ button, observe the red LED light on the key fob. Continue holding the button until you see the red LED blink rapidly. Simultaneously, listen for the door locks on your Jeep to cycle (lock then unlock). This lock cycling indicates that the system has recognized the new key fob signal and is programming it.
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Turn Off Ignition and Test: Within twenty (20) seconds of the door locks cycling, turn off your Jeep’s engine and remove the key from the ignition. Close the driver’s side door. Now, test your newly programmed key fob by pressing the ‘LOCK’ and ‘UNLOCK’ buttons to ensure they are working correctly with your 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s door locks.
Troubleshooting Tips
- No Dome Light: If you don’t have the black dome light, this factory programming procedure will not work. You’ll need to consider aftermarket keyless entry options.
- Programming Failure: If the locks don’t cycle after holding the ‘UNLOCK’ button, repeat the procedure carefully. Ensure all doors and the hood are fully closed, and each step is followed precisely.
- Remote Compatibility: Verify that the replacement key fob you purchased is compatible with the 1993-1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ models. Using an incompatible remote will prevent successful programming.
- Battery Issues: Ensure the battery in your new key fob is fresh and has sufficient charge. A weak battery can sometimes hinder the programming process.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully program your 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob and regain the convenience of keyless entry. Enjoy the ease of remotely locking and unlocking your vehicle!
